Home: Rockville, MD. Age: My bones say 80, but I‘m 60. Birthplace: Georgetown, Guyana. Profession: Educator. Pronouns: She/Her/Hers. Significant other: My soulmate, Vincent C. Gray. Alma mater: Claremont Graduate University.
Current project: Establishing group homes for youth and adults with mental health challenges. Latest accomplishment: Named to the board of directors of Cedar Hill Medical Center. Latest contribution to others: Wrote and won a grant for my church on emergency preparedness. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Translating my dissertation into the school I foundered and operated for 17 years. Hobbies: Reading, gardening, and traveling. Recent travel or adventure: Open-air safari in South Africa.
Personality profile: Life-long learner, witty, thoughtful. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Caring. How do you define a perfect friendship? A kind and respective person who values differences. What is your greatest joy? My children. What word or phrase do you use far too often? It’s all good. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Track and field athletics. What is at the top of your bucket list? Going to the Australian Open. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Enjoying the local culture.
What was your favorite college course? Psychology. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? Pictures of my family. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? My high school nutrition teacher. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Be honest, kind and respectful. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Listen more than speaking.
What is your big idea?
Creating my therapeutic high school for students with special needs.
What change would you like to see in the world? Taking the time to know people who are different than yourself, in any way. What message do you want to send out into the world? Show empathy. What widely held belief do you reject? Different means deficient.
What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Angela Bassett. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? Dr. Maya Angelou. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? Share meals at the finest restaurants, with great wine, friends, and family.
Personal mission: To live a purposeful life serving others. Favorite quote: “Anyone who’s interested in making change in the world, also has to learn how to take care of herself, himself, themselves” (Angela Davis). Desired epitaph: She cared about others.
